Replication of large RNA virus genomes: key enzymes and mechanisms (A01)

• Subject Area: Virology
• Term: since 2013
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 197785619

Nidovirales (Coronaviridae and 13 other families) employ special enzymes and mechanisms to replicate RNA genomes of unprecedented size and complexity. To establish key mechanisms conserved across different nidovirus lineages, we plan to characterize replication-transcription complexes from representative nidoviruses, focusing on essential components/cofactors and their interactions and specific activities in viral RNA synthesis and processing. Also, we plan to investigate cis-active RNA elements involved in coronavirus and mesonivirus replication. The work will mainly be based on biochemical studies using recombinant viral protein complexes, RNA structure probing, and reverse-genetics approaches.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1021: RNA Viruses: RNA Metabolism, Host Response and Pathogenesis
• Applicant Institution: Philipps-Universität Marburg
• Co-Applicant Institution: Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen
• Project Head: Professor Dr. John Ziebuhr